Kauai Private Sportfishing Charter - 6 Hours
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 6-hour offshore charter targeting Mahi Mahi and MarlinClassic 35-foot Bertram accommodates up to 6 guests comfortablyMidday departure explores prime fishing grounds off Lihue waters
There's nothing quite like dropping lines in Kauai's deep blue waters, where the Continental Shelf creates some of the most productive fishing grounds in the Hawaiian Islands. This private 6-hour charter aboard Blue Water Fishing LLC's classic 35-foot Bertram gives you and up to five friends exclusive access to the legendary fishing waters off Lihue. With a noon departure, you'll spend the prime afternoon hours targeting trophy pelagics in waters that regularly produce tournament-winning fish. The spacious cockpit and proven reliability of this Bertram make it a customer favorite for serious anglers who want both comfort and fish-raising action.
Your day starts at the harbor in Lihue, where you'll meet your captain and crew who know these waters like the back of their hand. The 35-foot Bertram is built for offshore work - plenty of fighting room in the cockpit, outriggers that can handle serious drag, and a tower that gives your captain the elevation to spot birds and bait schools from miles away. You'll head out past the reef and into the deep water where the bottom drops to thousands of feet. This is blue marlin country, and the volcanic underwater structure creates upwellings that attract baitfish and the predators that follow them. The afternoon departure timing is perfect - you'll be fishing during some of the most productive hours when the trades typically lay down and the bite turns on.
This is classic big game trolling at its finest. Your crew will deploy a spread of lures designed to mimic flying fish, squid, and other pelagic baitfish that these species can't resist. Expect to see everything from cedar plugs and jets to skirted lures running at different distances behind the boat. The outriggers keep your lines separated and allow you to cover more water effectively. When something hits, the crew knows exactly how to clear lines and get you hooked up without tangles. The Bertram's cockpit gives you room to move around the fish, and the captain can back down on big fish to help you gain line. All tackle is tournament-grade - Penn and Shimano reels matched with rods that can handle everything from 20-pound wahoo to 400-pound blue marlin.
Blue Marlin are the kings of these waters and what every angler dreams about. These magnificent fish can exceed 500 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps and long, powerful runs. Peak season runs from May through September, though fish are caught year-round. When you hook a blue marlin, expect a fight that can last hours - they're incredibly strong and smart, often sounding deep or making blistering surface runs that test your tackle and technique. The waters off Kauai produce some of the largest blues in the Pacific, and even a 200-pounder will give you the fight of your lifetime.
Mahi Mahi, or dorado as they're known in many circles, are pure adrenaline on light tackle. These golden beauties typically run 10 to 40 pounds in these waters, with occasional bulls pushing 60. They're aggressive feeders and spectacular fighters, known for their aerial displays and rapid color changes. Mahi are often found around floating debris or under birds working bait schools. They school up, so where you find one, you'll often find several. The flesh is world-class eating, making them a favorite target for anglers who want both sport and a great fish dinner.
Wahoo are speed demons that can reach 60 mph and hit lures like freight trains. These sleek predators typically range from 15 to 60 pounds in local waters, with their razor-sharp teeth and explosive runs making them a challenge to land. They're most active in the early morning and late afternoon, making your midday departure perfect for encountering them during their evening feeding period. Wahoo have some of the finest eating qualities of any pelagic fish - firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or sashimi.
Yellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of the offshore fleet and provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These powerful fish range from school-size 20-pounders to massive 200-pound giants. They fight with incredible stamina, making long runs and diving deep when hooked. Yellowfin are excellent table fare and form the backbone of many successful fishing days. They often travel with porpoise schools or feed under bird flocks, and experienced captains know how to read these signs to put you on fish.
Striped Marlin are smaller cousins to the blue marlin but no less exciting to catch. Typically running 80 to 150 pounds, they're known for their spectacular jumping ability and acrobatic fights. Stripers are more common during certain times of the year and are considered excellent eating by many anglers. They often feed closer to the surface than blues and can be spotted free-jumping or tailing on the surface. When hooked, they put on an aerial show that's worth the price of admission alone.
This top-rated private charter offers the perfect blend of comfort, capability, and fish-catching potential that keeps anglers coming back to Blue Water Fishing LLC season after season. The 6-hour duration gives you ample time to work different areas and techniques while the private booking ensures your group gets the captain's undivided attention. Whether you're experienced big game anglers or newcomers to offshore fishing, this classic Bertram and professional crew will put you on fish and create memories that last a lifetime. The afternoon departure time is ideal for those who want to sleep in and still get quality fishing time during some of the most productive hours. Book your charter today and experience why Kauai's offshore waters are considered among the best fishing destinations in the Pacific.
Step aboard our classic 1976 Bertram Cruiser and get ready to chase trophy fish in Kauai's productive offshore waters. This 35-foot sportfisher has been landing big game for decades, powered by reliable twin 190hp Isuzu engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a steady 10 knots. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the lines without bumping elbows. The boat's equipped with GPS and fish finder technology to locate schools of Mahi Mahi and track down those massive Pacific Blue Marlin. When nature calls during your 6-hour adventure, the onboard head keeps you comfortable. This Bertram's proven hull design cuts through Kauai's swells like butter, giving you a stable platform whether you're fighting a screaming reel or just enjoying the ride to your next fishing spot. The spacious cockpit and classic sportfisher layout make it easy to handle multiple hookups when the bite gets hot off Lihue's waters.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants of Hawaiian waters, with females reaching over 1,000 pounds while males stay around 300-400 lbs. These powerful billfish cruise open ocean waters year-round here, but we see more activity during summer months. They're attracted to drop-offs and current breaks where baitfish concentrate. What makes them special is that legendary fight - they'll jump, sound deep, and test every piece of gear you've got. The meat's decent but most folks are here for the battle. Around Kauai, I always tell guests to watch for birds working bait schools. When you hook one, keep steady pressure but let the fish run when it wants to jump. Fighting the jumps usually means a pulled hook.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are probably our most reliable catch around Kauai, running 15-30 pounds on average with some bulls hitting 50+. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water. We find them year-round, but spring through fall gives you the best action. What guests love most is the colors - gold, green, and blue that light up when they're hooked - plus they're amazing on the table. These fish school up, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Here's a local trick: when you hook your first mahi, keep it in the water near the boat while rigging another line. The hooked fish will often call in its buddies for an easy double or triple.
Kajikia AudaxStriped Marlin are the acrobats of the billfish world, averaging 200-300 pounds with those distinctive pale blue stripes that stay visible even after the fight. They prefer the warmer months around Kauai, typically showing up best from spring through early fall in open blue water along drop-offs. What sets them apart is their aerial show - they'll jump more than any other marlin, making for incredible photos and memories. The meat's excellent too, with a taste similar to swordfish but richer. They're ambush predators that cruise current lines looking for tuna schools. My advice: when you see one lit up behind the boat, don't rush the hookset. Let them eat the bait properly before engaging the drag, or they'll throw that hook on the first jump.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 50+ mph and averaging 20-40 pounds with some reaching 80+. We call them "ono" here - Hawaiian for delicious - and they live up to it. They cruise open water drop-offs and ledges, usually showing up best from May through October. What makes them exciting is that blistering first run when hooked, plus they're probably the best eating fish we catch. They hunt solo or in small groups around floating debris and current lines. The key with wahoo is speed - we troll fast, around 12-15 knots, with wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through anything else. When you see that classic blue and silver torpedo shape, get ready for a screaming reel.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are powerful, warm-blooded fish that average 30-60 pounds but can push over 200 in our waters. They roam the upper 100 feet of open ocean, following baitfish and often mixing with dolphins. Year-round fishing here, but summer months tend to be most consistent. Guests love the raw power and stamina - these fish just don't quit. Plus, fresh ahi is what sushi dreams are made of. They school heavily, so finding one usually means finding many. Look for bird activity, floating logs, or dolphin pods. My go-to technique is chunking with live bait when we mark them deep. Toss small pieces of fish overboard to bring them up, then drop a lively sardine or akule back into the chum line.
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